Electric Bicycle Recommendations for Multiple Riders?

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  urahara on 29/04/2023 - 11:07

  Look for detachable battery pack because in longer run you will have ability to replac eit

  • 

    deme on 29/04/2023 - 13:19

    You can replace all types. The one on the outside is for swapping quickly. The one inside the frame is still easy but requires tools.

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  pao2x on 29/04/2023 - 11:34

  Get a nice e-bike and a trailer?

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    lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 14:09

    Thanks - do you know of any adult bike trailers in Australia?

    I've seen Equinox Trailers Adult Carriers that are made in USA and cost as much as an ebike ($2k AU)

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  bargaino on 29/04/2023 - 11:57

  +1

  The Pedal Packer you linked is $3,440 , and has 50kg capacity at rear. How small is your wife?
  For less than that money, you could buy a used low-km 2-seater motor scooter, which would do the job properly and safely.
  I see you are in WA, where you could ride a 50cc scooter using a normal car drivers license. Will be slow with 2 people, but better than eBike. They are also very cheap to register, insure and fuel. Check out 50cc scooters on gumtree.

  The first link was for the $1400 step-through, which is completely inadequate, unsafe and illegal in this country.
  You might find a used 50cc scooter for that price, but not anything close to a functioning 2-person ebike.

  • 

    pao2x on 29/04/2023 - 12:29

    There are also some electric motorcycles classified under the 50cc rule. I wish NSW would adopt this rule

  • 

    lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 14:08

    Thanks for your comment - I'd included the wrong link first, and have now updated it.

    50kg is more than enough for the wife (she is a dwarf)

    No license, and want to ride on bike paths.

    • 

      bargaino on 29/04/2023 - 14:18

      OK, then I guess that "pedal packer" bike looks good. It has decent quality parts specified.

      Note it is a small frame with only 24" wheels. I guess you'll need to attach a simple padded seat to the back, such as from a motor-scooter, and foot-pegs to the frame. As well as the kiddie seat pictured. You could start with a harness to carry baby, but they grow fast.

      I'll look out for you on the bike paths! :-)

      • 

        lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 15:34

        I'm glad the parts sound decent - I don't know much about the parts, but I thought Shimano Altus was a low budget tier.
        The fear for me is that those weight tolerance might not be as good as advertised, and the bike might not function, say, going uphill with 140kg on it; and may break down quickly… Hence was hopeful there might be other options out there that have more proven ability on these tasks.

        • 

          Euphemistic on 29/04/2023 - 18:15

          @lbreav: Altus is perfectly fine running gear. It’s the entry level quality stuff.

          As for weight tolerances, I’d imagine they’d normally be fairly conservative, but putting 140kg on a e bike and expecting it to perform up hill is a big ask, especially if it’s a hub drive motor. Mid drive motors will have the benefit of being able to multiply the torque with the gears.

          • 

            RockyRaccoon on 29/04/2023 - 21:10

            @Euphemistic:

            Mid drive motors will have the benefit of being able to multiply the torque with the gears.

            Seems like given the linked bike has these, that maybe a solution

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  Euphemistic on 29/04/2023 - 15:04

  Most "cargo bikes" designed for carrying multiple people are very expensive (often more than the price of two good quality ebikes!)

  There’s a reason for this. Most adults will ride themselves, unless tandem design. Some cargo bikes will have a large tub on the front which may suit adapting to a couple of seats. Unfortunately the market is small, especially in Aus and all of this type of cargo bike are either very expensive or very cheaply made.

  If your partner is a dwarf (it’s hard to type that while trying mg to be inoffensive), perhaps looking for a kid sized e-bike is an alternative. I’ve seen a local dwarf couple riding a 24” and 20” e-bike - b it they aren’t carting kids.

  • 

    lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 15:31

    Don't worry about offending. Everyone knows her as Sneezy.

    So you think two separate ebikes is a better option? That was my suspicion. Any recommendations for the best value (for quality parts) step-through ebike currently under $2k?

    • 

      zoombie on 29/04/2023 - 16:28

      Quality parts cost money, manufacturers are not dumb, they don't sell quality parts for cheap. Having said that, the Chinese ebike are pretty reliable, the Uber eats guy does hundreds of Kms on them every week.

      If you want brand name ebike, you won't get them under $2k. A quality normal bicycle already cost more than $2k, you won't find an ebike with "quality parts" for this price.

      Alternative is to look for second hand one on FB marketplace, might able to find a brand name one for your budget.

      • 

        lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 20:04

        Thanks for your response. I guess "quality" was the wrong word. But Merida ebikes start at $2600 on 99bikes, and I thought they were a very reliable brand.

        I have been told with eBikes, new is preferable to second hand because the battery is a major part of the cost and they need replacing every few years. I've also noticed that second-hand sellers are asking almost as much as discounted new prices (given oversupply of ebikes during covid or something)

    • 

      bargaino on 29/04/2023 - 17:00

      I would go with 2 bikes if possible.
      Your main requirement is a very small frame. Looking at 99 bikes their XS frame size is for 152cm minimum, ie 5 foot.

      For a dwarf, you may need to buy a kids bike, and convert it.
      For the best, get a mid-drive kit and this: https://www.99bikes.com.au/norco22-fluid-ht-24-1-single-grey…
      But a cheaper 7-speed bike (most kids bikes) and a rear-hub motor will do the job. It is easy to find a 24" conversion kit.
      Or even 20" if needed.

      Would you consider doing the conversion yourself, or want a shop to help?

      • 

        lbreav on 29/04/2023 - 20:08

        Thanks for the specific recommendation. I would not do a conversion myself. Totally incompetent and likely to lose patience first and money later.

        Any recommendations on full-size ebikes at around the $2k price point? Or is this a bad price point somehow, like just $1k components with branding - and the jump from $2k to $3k is larger than $1k to $2k? (In which case, I'm likely to head further south)

        • 

          bargaino on 29/04/2023 - 20:59

          @lbreav: I've nothing specific. But if you just want to ride on bike paths, and not trying to win any races, anything will do.
          An 8-speed will be a freehub, and have a much wider gear range than a 7-speed freewheel. But its not essential.

    • 

      Euphemistic on 29/04/2023 - 18:17

      Do you really need e-bikes if you are choosing two separate bikes? Maybe you could get away with a quality non-e bike if you don’t have to cart the whole family.